Is Global Warming Driven By Economic Growth?

Is Global Warming Driven By Economic Growth?

To slow climate change the world will either have to put the brakes on economic growth or change the way the world’s economies work, scientists say. A study by University of Michigan researchers assessed the effects of several factors on year-to-year changes in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide.

Researchers looked at two natural phenomena believed to affect CO2 levels – volcanic eruptions and the El Nino weather pattern – and two human factors, world population and the world economy. Of the factors, they said, growing global economies were the most likely to be linked with increases in greenhouse gases. To break the economic habits contributing to a rise in atmospheric CO2 levels and global warming, researcher Tapia Granados said, societies around the world would need to make enormous changes.